US launches Earth observation satellite

The Landsat satellite boosted into orbit by an Atlas V rocket

A rocket carrying an Earth-observing satellite launched on Monday from a seaside military base to continue a mission to document changes to the planet's natural resources.

The Landsat satellite was boosted into orbit by an Atlas V rocket shortly before 11:30 a.m. local time, more than an hour after lifting off from Vandenberg Air Force Base under mostly clear skies.

In pics: The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas-V rocket with the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) spacecraft onboard is seen as it launches at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, February 11, 2013.